'It's a dream come true to have them home'- families rejoice as loved ones fly in for Christmas

The Brown family from Coolock welcoming home Kim from New Zealand. Photo: Doug O'ConnorElaine (31) and Stephen (35) Campbell returning home from New Zealand, met by Johnny (58) and Mabel Campbell (57) from Co. Tyrone.Ronan (8) and Penny (11) Low, Ranelagh waiting for grandparents from San Francisco. Photo: Doug O'Connor

While the Brown family from Coolock dressed up to the occasion to greet family member Kim home from New Zealand.

"We can't wait to see her, it's been a year since we've seen her. We're looking forward to being together and having dinner," her sister Sharon Brown said.

"We can't wait to have the family together".

The two terminals at Dublin Airport were decked out with more than 300,000 led lights, 60 Christmas trees, 500 metres of garlands, 30 Christmas wreaths and 30 festive displays this year.

A total of 1.1 million passengers will pass through Dublin Airport this Christmas, an increase of 8pc from last year.

Flight operations will cease on Christmas Eve after the last flight departs to Moscow with Aeroflot at 10pm and they will resume on St. Stephen’s Day when Aer Lingus’ EI 104 from New York lands at 5am.

After today, Friday 28 is expected to be the next busiest day for airport staff, with an increase in passengers heading to winter sun and skiing destinations.